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Passing the gavel

New MSA leadership will face challenges

The assembly attempted to tackle many issues last year, such as student health care reform. However, time constraints, a failure to cultivate student interest and unexpected activities -- like University President James Duderstadt's decision to resign and the subsequent presidential search -- left many issues unresolved. Herein lie the challenges Rose and Mehta face.

One of the most pressing issues is the selection of a new University president. The bulk of this process likely will occur during the summer, when few -- if any -- students will have a chance to voice their concerns about the proceedings. Though the current assembly worked to appoint student representatives to the search committee, it's not enough; Rose and Mehta must do more than simply keep abreast of the search. They must stay connected with the student representatives and voice student concerns for the person that will most likely lead the University into the next century.

One of the greatest duties that Rose will bear is to provide student representation to the administration. Rose and Mehta must make obtaining a full student regent a top priority, to give students the maximum strength and validity to their elected voice. While the position most likely will be non-voting, it needs to be more than a silent chair in the same room as the regents -- the future student regent needs to be involved actively with the board and have the opportunity to make its voice heard as any other member of the board.

Besides being the chief student representatives, Rose and Mehta have substantial power to shape policies that affect students on a daily basis, mostly in the area of fund allocation. This year, Wainess proposed that the many separate student fees -- including MSA funds, University Activities Center and Student Communications -- all converge under one comprehensive "student fee." The fee would be allocated to the separate entities. This could create better efficiency and prevent inequities between student groups.

In addition, a student-approved ballot proposal will allocate new fees to create a child care program. MSA and the University need to work out the logistics of the program quickly. Many students would have an easier time remaining enrolled with child care assistance.

Overshadowing the other issues is Rose's and Mehta's challenge to increase student awareness of MSA. It needs to be more than another bullet on a campaign platform, as in the past. Rose and Mehta were elected by one of the smallest percentages of the student body in recent memory. Their primary task is to reach out to students who have little interest in MSA, and provide substantial results. If the duo, along with the rest of MSA, can achieve this, the rest of their tasks will be easier.